What kind of sediment is typically found in the bed load of a stream?

The bed load of a stream consists of sediment that is too heavy to be carried by the water column and therefore moves along the streambed. This type of sediment is typically composed of heavier, coarser-grained material such as sand, gravel, and sometimes larger rocks. The movement of bed load is facilitated by traction, where particles roll, slide, or hop along the streambed rather than being suspended in the water. This is in contrast to the suspended load, which includes finer materials like silt and clay that can be carried within the water column. Understanding the characteristics of bed load is crucial for studying sediment transport and river morphology, as it plays a significant role in shaping riverbanks and influencing the overall ecosystem.